Dear America, why?
(media.communities.win)
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Not on point, but . . . is there anyone else offended when dead troopers are referred to as "the fallen" like they were majestic redwoods or something?
No, because that's retarded. It's one thing if they died of a donut overdose or a drunk driving incident, then fuck em. But treating those who died in combat with a bit of respect is not offensive to anyone with a brain.
My point is that the cliche rather diminishes the respect intended by the metaphor. It's overused and too easy, reflecting badly on the lazy writer and disrespecting the fact that these are our people, not trees, and their deaths in bullshit wars like those foisted on us over the last 60-odd years were/are unnecessary.
It also makes dying in war seem romantic, which is offensive to anyone who actually has had to face death or disfigurement in war, "Dulce et decorum est pro patria mori" and all that rot. An old, old story.
Euphemism is a form of metaphor.
M8 you should go talk to some vets before getting offended on their behalf. The ones who volunteer to go and fight, at least a significant portion of them, find the idea of death in battle to be honorable. Not because getting shot is special but because they chose to be there, and that self-sacrifice for a cause is honorable to them.
My point comes from respect for combat veterans. I'm sick to death of bullshit patriotism that justifies slaughter for the gain of nobody but the rich and powerful. Using fake and awkward martial language is the stuff of half-literate armchair generals.
And when you're dead you're dead. Period. You don't go to the sawmill to be made into tasteful furniture.
It's grass-touching time, my friend.
You're right, but not for the reason you think.
I'm just interested in language, and if this point seems trivial and tortured, I hope my explanation in response to HellsBells00 shows where I'm coming from.
Time to add an item to my Bucket List.